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Birth and death
Jorge Ubico Castañeda was born in Guatemala City and died in New Orleans, La., U.S. He was a soldier and dictator who ruled Guatemala for 13 years. -
Guatemalan army
Ubico received a commission in the Guatemalan army, distinguished himself in several campaigns, and rose to the rank of colonel. -
Government
He was appointed governor of Alta Verapaz and followed four years later as governor of Retalhuleu, where he served with efficiency and honesty. -
José María Orellana
In the following years he was made a brigadier general, a member of the National Assembly, and minister of war under President José María Orellana. -
Candidate
Ubico ran unsuccessfully for president as the candidate of the Political Progressive Party. He temporarily retired until the next election. -
Election
Backed by liberals and progressives, he was elected president of Guatemala with 305,841 votes. -
Decline
Ubico resigned from office amidst a general strike and nationwide protests.
